Trees measuring more than two arms length usually have wide roots that dig deep into the earth. However, even if a tree has abundant leaves, it can wither quickly if its root is weak. Likewise, as important as the root is to a tree, the center of ones heart is most important to a person.

Sometimes were shocked when we find out that a good-looking man committed serial murders or well-respected person got involved in a bribe scandal. These people are like trees with abundant leaves and weak roots. They seem like good people on the outside, but on the inside, their root, or their inner heart, is bad. When we realize the truth that good trees can not bear bad fruit and that bad trees cannot bear good fruit, we should be motivated to cultivate a good heart before God.

"For it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:5)

From Dr. Jaerock Lees column series The Way carried on The Hankook Ilbo